US Bridges

Route 198 over Bigelow Brook

Fair

Windham County, Connecticut · .8MI South of US Route 44 · Structure no. 01538

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 1971
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
109 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,900
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 198 over Bigelow Brook is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Route 198 over Bigelow Brook in Windham County, Connecticut. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 1971, so it is 86 years old, older than the Connecticut average of 56.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 1,900 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,823 by 2042. The structure is 109 ft (33.2 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 26.7 mi (43 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 198
CrossesBigelow Brook
Location.8MI South of US Route 44
RouteState Highway 198
CountyWindham County
StateConnecticut
Coordinates41.86746, -72.09205
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55.3 US tons
Inventory rating42.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length109 ft (33.2 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.9 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,900 (2022)
Projected traffic2,823 by 2042
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed26.7 mi (43 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Route 198 over Bigelow Brook built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1971.

What condition is Route 198 over Bigelow Brook in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in March 2024.

How much traffic does Route 198 over Bigelow Brook carry?

About 1,900 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Route 198 over Bigelow Brook?

The structure is 109 ft (33.2 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.9 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns Route 198 over Bigelow Brook?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.